Nicklaus News – October 5, 2018

October 5, 2018

Nicklaus Design Around the Globe

Moscow, Russia — We’re thrilled to announce completion of the new Nicklaus Design golf course at Raevo Golf and Country Club near Moscow, Russia, the third Nicklaus course in the country. Measuring 7,245 yards from the back tees, Raevo has the teeth to challenge even the most skilled players, while its striking landscape and playability promises to captivate golfers of every form. Raevo is notably set among a well-wooded area just outside the capital city of Moscow.

During Raevo’s three-year construction period, Senior Design Associate Dirk Bouts’ and his team’s primary challenge was the climate, and an inherently short warm-weather season in which development conditions are optimal. Asked about navigating the elements, said Bouts, “The course has been built and is being maintained to the highest standards to ensure the best playing conditions. It will be a wonderful addition to the Nicklaus collection of courses in Russia.”

Nicklaus Design, recognized as the world’s leading golf course design firm, has a rich history and unique footprint in Russia, having opened two other widely-acclaimed courses near Mosow. Raevo is in great company bearing the Nicklaus name, joining two of Jack’s Signature Courses in the area — Tseleevo Golf and Polo Club (2008), and Skolkovo (2014). Both legacy properties boast award-winning layouts, and the Nicklaus Design team believes Raevo has all the potential to join them in that company as an elite destination.

Qingdao, China – With an already profound portfolio of over 30 Nicklaus courses in China, Nicklaus Design is continuing its strong presence in the market after finalizing the contract to provide an 18-hole renovation at Qingdao Huashan Country Club in Qingdao, China. Nicklaus Design Associate Sean Quinn will lead the project in collaboration with the club which will commence next month with construction slated to begin in 2019. In addition to Qingdao, Nicklaus Design is working in Guilin, China on a renovation of Guilin Li River Golf Club. The design vision is being led by Jack Nicklaus II with Jim Wagner overseeing the day-to-day operations for Nicklaus Design. Wagner is also leading the renovation of Wuhan International Country Club in Wuhan, China. These three properties will add to the already extensive list of Nicklaus Design golf courses in China.

“China continues to be a very active market for us,” said Paul Stringer, President of Nicklaus Design Asia-Pacific. “We have more than 30 courses already completed and numerous under construction or contract, making Nicklaus Design prominent in the China golf market. It is not only exciting for us to develop these remarkable golf courses, but it is rewarding to know that we are helping the country grow the game of golf, which is such an important part of Jack’s legacy. “

Riga, Latvia — Senior Design Associate, Dirk Bouts, visited the quickly-evolving Jurmala Golf Club in September to complete the grow-in plans for the golf course. Making careful observations over the last 60 days, Bouts and the project agronomist, Sylvian Duval, have noted that the variance in turf selection is reacting well to the climates of Northern Europe. As a result, the golf course is forecasted to experience a flourishing grow-in phase in the near term, even with colder seasonal temperatures on deck. Meanwhile, final touches are being made to the Jurmala clubhouse facility as the team prepares for the Grand Opening of the course in Spring 2019.

“The course has exceeded all of our expectations,” said Bouts. “As we worked on the grow-in phase, often referred to as the final chapter in the design process, we opted for a natural blend of the bunker shaping, complementing the fairway layouts and green complexes beautifully. When the clubhouse and hotel are finished, this is certain to be one of the top golf destinations in Northern Europe.”

Milstein Takes in Sights and Sounds of 2018 Ryder Cup

Nicklaus Companies’ Executive Chairman Howard Milstein joined business leaders from around the world last week to watch the United States and European teams compete head-to-head in the 2018 Ryder Cup matches. During an action-packed week in Paris, Milstein met with industry colleagues including executives from the PGA of America, the R&A, the European Tour, and the other governing bodies of golf. A PGA REACH Trustee, Milstein also made time to sit down with two proud global partners of the Nicklaus Companies — Rolex and The Toro Company — which led oversight on all official maintenance and irrigation duties for the Ryder Cup.

As an avid golfer and business leader, Milstein is committed to the growth of the game and shaping its vast influence, maintaining professional ubiquity and relevance in the golf industry through attendance at top events around the world. Just as the Ryder Cup brought another compelling professional golf season to a close, last weekend also capped off a successful year for Milstein as he became publisher of GOLF Magazine and the GOLF.com website after acquiring the media properties from Time Inc. His earlier investments include esteemed brands the likes of the Nicklaus Companies, Miura, True Spec, and GolfLogix, to name a few. As Milstein’s footprint in the golf world expands, he has been increasingly acknowledged to be an industry leader in innovation, responding to the needs of the sport and his portfolio through creativity and a commitment to excellence, giving back to the game and its charities along the way.

Behind the Scenes: Chris Cochran on Design Philosophy

Chris Cochran can’t quantify just how much he learned spending more than three decades being taught the ropes by the greatest golf course designer of all time, Jack Nicklaus. In this week’s Nicklaus News video spotlight, listen as Cochran explains how he applied lessons from Jack to shape his unique design philosophy and answers the question, “Why Nicklaus Design?”

For Phil Burkart and the team at Toro, it’s all about relationships

Phil Burkart has enjoyed more than three decades of success at Toro, which only last week proudly led all irrigation management systems at golf’s premiere event, the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Paris. Amongst his litany of professional achievements, Burkart was instrumental in creating the global Toro-Nicklaus relationship servicing Nicklaus Design courses worldwide. Toro believes in quality, innovation and customer care which cultivates deep relationships with partners, clients and all those alike. We at the Nicklaus Companies are thrilled to have had the pleasure to work with Burkart and wanted to take a moment in this week’s Partner Spotlight to wish him well, as he recently announced his retirement from the company.

“It has been an honor to work so closely with Phil,” said Andy O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Licensing & Communications at the Nicklaus Companies. “We created a meaningful and very successful business relationship between Toro and the Nicklaus Companies. Phil has always placed a premium on building relationships and establishing credibility through results. While our business relationship might conclude, we know that our friendship with Phil will continue for many years to come.”

Relying on his expert oversight on several major acquisitions, Toro benefitted immensely from Burkart’s leadership abilities, as he drove the business to prominence as a leader in golf course irrigation and water management. His personal thoughtfulness and trademark care for his customers is paralleled by a fervent loyalty and love for his family, whom he is eager to share more time and memories with in the months and years ahead. Burkart’s counterparts at Toro echo the sentiments from O’Brien, as his colleagues know his unique combination of talent, charisma and brand passion will be missed. Burkart will continue working with Toro as a consultant.

“The Toro water businesses have grown under Phil’s leadership,” said Rick Olson, CEO, Toro. “He has driven customer-valued innovation that advanced the state-of-the-art. Phil will be missed at Toro. We wish him all the best.”